Publisher's Summary

Millions of Christians and non-Christians look to Thomas Merton for spiritual wisdom and guidance, but to whom did Merton look? In The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton, Franciscan friar and author Daniel Horan shows how, both before and after he became a Trappist monk, Merton's life was shaped by his love for St. Francis and for the Franciscan spiritual and intellectual tradition. Given recent renewed interest in St. Francis, this timely resource is both informative and practical, revealing a previously hidden side of Merton that will inspire a new generation of Christians to live richer, deeper, and more justice-minded lives of faith.

Horan presents many critically important points to leverage the weight of fear that has immobilized the dynamics of human (Christian or Non-Christian) living. Most especially noteworthy is Father Horan's explication of John Duns Scotus' "individuation", and subsequently of Merton's impressionable advancement of Scotus in his focus on the "true self". Combine this with the chapter on Peacemaking and one can readily see the foundation for the necessary courage to allow all of humanity, women and men, to image Christ. Though Father Horan never explicitly states any motive for his labors beyond the identification of Merton's Franciscan heart and a desire that Francis and Merton's example inspire all of us to discover our purpose in God, my prayer is that those of us who desire the Catholic Church to find courage to embrace the feminine ordained ministry, will see the seeds of fruitful contemplation in Horan's wise synthesis of two spiritual catalysts: Merton and Francis. Thank you Father Horan.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

alice

23/07/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Family Ties"

Like catching up with a friend of the family , A cup of coffee, a smile, a nod,.." Wow ! You''re right...never thought of it that way "

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Jamie Arpin-Ricci

9/04/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Accessible and compelling"

This book offers a wonderful, unique and challenging look at the life and writing of Thomas Merton through the lens of his love for St Francis.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.